The Connected Leadership Podcast

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Maritza McClendon, a 2004 Olympic silver medalist and the first African American woman to make the US Olympic swim team as a college swimmer. She had an impressive college career, a 27-time All-American with 11 NCAA titles, the first African American to break an individual American record (2002) and a world record (2000) in...

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata enters the world of volleyball with three-time Olympian and gold medalist, Ryan Millar. Ryan Millar is an American former volleyball player. He was a member of the United States national volleyball team from 1998 to 2008, winning a gold medal in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and is a three-time NORCECA Champion. Andy and Ryan explore...

This week's Connected Leadership podcast looks at the world of elite athletics with Olympian Caryn Davies. Caryn Davies is a three-time Olympic medalist (two of them gold) in rowing. Recently, she was awarded the Thomas Keller Medal, the highest honour in the sport of rowing, recognising an exceptional international rowing career and exemplary sportsmanship. Davies is the first American ever to re...

This episode of the Connected Leadership podcast features a fascinating conversation with Richard Gerver,  Andy’s guest this week. Richard came to prominence when, as a head teacher, he turned around a failing school in the UK in under two years. Winning plaudits globally, Richard was labelled The Walt Disney of the Classroom by the UK media and went on to win a multitude of international awards,...

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Victoria McLean, CEO of City CV and Hanover Talent Solutions. Victoria transformed recruitment strategy at Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch. She founded City CV in 2009, growing it into an international business. She serves on multiple boards, including Hanover Group and Rainbow Trust, and holds memberships in professional or...

Andy Lopata hosts Scott Osman and Jacquelyn Lane, founders of the Hundred Coaches Agency and co-authors of "Being Coachable." They explore the crucial elements of building trust, strong professional relationships and creating a coachable environment. This episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast emphasises the "relationship-first philosophy" adopted by Scott and Jacquelyn, where building genuin...

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, host Andy Lopata investigates the power of asking "what if?" with guest Stephen Bailey. Stephen is an entrepreneur, leadership and workforce expert, and co-founder of Exec Online the pioneer of online leadership development for enterprises. He oversees the organisation’s strategic vision and broader efforts to connect all leaders to their future...

Andy Lopata welcomes Melva Lajoy Legrand to this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast. Melva and Andy explore the concept of authentic connection. Melva is one of the leading event planners in the United States. Recognised nationally for her thought leadership, she is a six-time award-winning CEO who has used her social impact on the stages of IMEX Frankfurt (2024) and IMEX America (2023),...

This episode of the Connected Leadership podcast takes a unique turn, featuring Laura Laker, a prominent and well-respected travel journalist and co-host of the Streets Ahead podcast. Laura Laker has written for national and specialist titles for well over a decade. Her new book is, Potholes and Pavements: A Bumpy Ride on Britain's National Cycle Network, Laura's journey to becoming a cycling advo...

Andy Lopata welcomes Angela Cheng-Cimini, an HR professional, to discuss the hyper-personalisation of the employee experience and its impact on organisational success. Angela is the Senior Vice President, Talent, and Chief Human Resources Officer at Harvard Business Publishing, where she leads HR and Facilities & Administration. With 30 years of HR experience across various industries, Angela spec...

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, immediate past vice chairman of external affairs for Royal Caribbean Group and former CEO of Celebrity Cruises. Lisa’s vision and strategy not only propelled Celebrity Cruises to achieve transformational financial results as a brand within the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) portfolio but also dramatica...

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Dr. Adam Dorsay, a licensed psychologist and executive coach based in Silicon Valley. Dr. Adam Dorsay works with high-achieving adults (including professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and professional athletes). Adam is the host of SuperPsyched, an award-winning podcast, and he has given two highly regarded TEDx Talks: o...

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Dr. Stacy Moore, a practitioner psychologist specialising in organisational well-being and performance. Stacy has a wealth of expertise in training design and staff wellbeing support and is a member of the Professional Speaking Association (PSA). She has spoken on the main stage at the Insuretech Insights conference 2023 and...

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata’s guest is Jennifer McCollum, CEO of Catalyst, a NY-based nonprofit focused on accelerating progress for women in the workplace. Andy and Jennifer discuss issues of gender equality, professional relationships, and ally ship in the workplace. Jennifer McCollum is on a mission to create better leaders and workplaces by advancing women...

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata explores the theme of career development and unleashing one's full potential with guest Asad Hussain, a seasoned HR professional and author of "Careers Unleashed." Asad is a 4-time CHRO with a background in leading blue-chip companies like Gillette, Procter & Gamble, Dun & Bradstreet, and Del Monte. His strategic HR achievements have...

Andy Lopata welcomes Telly Leung to the Connected Leadership podcast. Telly is a versatile Broadway performer with an impressive list of credits, including roles in "Aladdin," "In Transit," "Allegiance," "Godspell," "Rent," "Wicked," "Pacific Overtures," and "Flower Drum Song." He has appeared on television in shows like "Warrior," "Glee," "Instinct," and "Law and Order: Criminal Intent." He is al...

This episode of The Connected Leadership Podcast examines the essence of humanity in leadership, exploring the profound impact of humanising leadership practices. Host Andy Lopata is joined by international leadership coach Gerardo Segat. Gerardo worked for 20 years in the family office industry as CEO, chairman, and entrepreneur. In 2016, he left his business and re-qualified as a coach with the...

Welcome to a special episode of the Connected Leadership podcast. This episode is specially hosted by Alan Stevens and his guests for the episode, Andy Lopata and Dr. Ruth Gotian, co-authors of the recently released "Financial Times Guide to Mentoring." The conversation kicks off with Alan asking Andy to define mentoring. Andy describes mentoring as an exchange of experiences, skills, and expertis...

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Gold series, Andy Lopata revisits a crucial topic from April 2023, looking into the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Andy brings a fresh perspective to the conversation around AI. He questions whether organisations are losing genuine human connections with their customers and stakeholders as they grow in size and complexity. Joining Andy is Ben Afia...

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Gold series, Andy Lopata discusses the critical topic of overwhelm and burnout in today's fast-paced world. Joined by esteemed guests Dr. Katherine Semler and Dr. Amy Bradley, authors of the book "Running on Empty," the conversation explores the profound impact of excessive workload on individuals and organisations. Dr. Amy Bradley reflects on a pivotal...

In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes Tendai Wileman. Tendai is Chief of Staff and Director of Organisational Change at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Trust, the largest NHS organisation in the country. She has worked in healthcare for 20 years in various corporate and operational roles. Tendai shares her unexpected journey into the NHS and reflects on the pivotal role...

Welcome to the Connected Leadership podcast, hosted by Andy Lopata. In this episode, Andy welcomes Antoinette Dale Henderson, an expert in leadership communications and author of "Leading with Gravitas." Antoinette is an executive coach and global keynote speaker with over 25 years’ experience in leadership communications. She specializes in strategically-driven, results-oriented masterclasses tha...

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata’s guest is Dr Andy Cope, a specialist in positive psychology. After 12 years of hard academic labour, he gained a Loughborough University PhD and became the UK’s first ever ‘Doctor of Happiness’. Dr Cope shares his journey from traditional psychology to becoming more interested in the effects of positive psychology and happiness. He...

In this episode of The Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata engages in a riveting conversation with Dawn Wray, co-founder of the Listening Collective, an organisation developed from a deeply held belief that when people thrive, then their organisations do too. Dawn is a former VP of a $1 billion financial institution and an experienced senior leader. In 2018, she trained as a relational gesta...

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes David Hyner, a researcher and speaker with a passion for helping people set and achieve massive goals. David shares insights from his extensive experience working with diverse groups, from school kids to senior business leaders, and emphasises the importance of having fun in all endeavours. Andy and David discuss the concept...